Clast rind analysis using multi-high resolution instrumentation.

A sequence of glacial and related deposits up to 700 m (2,296 ft) thick in the lower part of the Haushi Group contains significant quantities of oil in several fields in south and central Oman and is the main exploration target along the eastern flank of the South Oman salt basin. More than 300 well penetrations demonstrate that the glacial deposits extend over more than 60,000 km2 (23,166 mi2) in outcrop and subsurface. The Late Carboniferous to Early Permian Haushi Group (dated through palynology) unconformably overlies Precambrian to Devonian rocks of the Huqf and Haima Groups with, locally, a considerable paleorelief. The glacial deposits are overlain by fluvial and shallow marine deposits of the upper Haushi Group which include a fossiliferous l mestone dated as Early Permain (probably Sakmarian). The glacial origin of units within the lower part of the Haushi Group is established from the outcrop area on the west flank of Huqf massif where striated pavements of Precambrian dolomite have been found. One pavement is directly overlain by a 4 m (13 ft) thick diamictite interpreted as a basal till. In nearby exposures striated boulders have been found. Both in the outcrops and in the subsurface diamictites with abundant far-traveled material (granite and volcanic boulders) occur. They are considered to be mostly debris-flow deposits of glacially transported material. Their common interbedding with shales with dropstones is diagnostic of a glaciolacustrine setting. The association of varved shales and diamictites is commonly of sealing quality. Reservoirs in the glacial sequence are formed by sandstones and clast to matrix-supported sandy conglomerates which are interpreted as deltaic and fluvial deposits. Depositional models and paleogeographic reconstructions have been made with the help of core studies and correlation of facies units using wireline logs. These correlations demonstrate the limited lateral predictability of reservoirs which is not unexpected in view of the geometrical complexity of many modern glacial deposits. The geometry of facies units is, however, also complicated by syndepositional subsidence, due to both progressive dissolution of Precambrian salt, and to differential erosion at the contact between the glacial sediments and the underlying, unconsolidated sands of the Haima Group. End_of_Article - Last_Page 429------------

AT a meeting of the Royal Anthropological Institute held on June19, Mr. H. J. E. Peake in the chair, Prof. P. G. H. Boswell and Mr. J. Reid Moir presented a paper on “Flint Implements at Foxhall Road, Ipswich.” Prof. P. G. H. Boswell dealt with the geology of the deposits. The site lies in an oval hollow about 120 ft. above Ordnance datum, ij miles E.N.E. of Ipswich station. The surrounding plateau of glacial sand and gravellies at about 130 to 140 ft. above Ordnance datum. The succession of general sequence of deposits from bottom to top down to a depth of 31 ft. 4in. is as follows: Dark Chalky-Kimmeridgic Boulder Clay (bored to 2 ft.6 in.), loamy sand and shingle (6 ft. 9 in.), sandy boulder clay and loam (3 ft.), gravelly and sandy brick-earths passing up into laminated brick-earths (15 ft. 3 in.), gravel and subsoils, etc. (3 ft. 10 in.). Mechanical analyses of the respective beds have been made, and as a result suggestions were offered regarding conditions of deposition. The mineralogical characters have also been worked out, the assemblage being of typically glacial character. Reasons for referring the lowermost deposits tothe Chalky-Kimmeridgic Boulder Clay were given, and the evidence that the uppermost gravel indicated a recrudescence of cold or even glacial conditions after a period of amelioration were discussed. Finally, tentative correlations with the glacial sequence in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire were attempted.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are being developed as alternative energy sources for both residential and automotive applications. For this technology to reach its full commercial potential, however, a significant reduction in cost is still required while the performance and durability of PEMFCs being maintained or improved. The key in this process is continuous improvement of membrane electrode assembly (MEA) through both the development of new materials and the optimization of the 3D structural arrangement of individual MEA components [1,2] . Structural optimization of MEA remains to be challenging due to multiple materials interacting across 6 orders of magnitude in their characteristic length scales, from several nanometers for the catalyst particle size to hundreds of micrometers for carbon fibers in porous transport layer. In recent years, several microscopy techniques have become widely available to characterize the three-dimensional (3D) structure of PEMFC catalyst layers. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the PEMFCs sample, a correlative, multi-scale imaging protocol is developed in this work. The following technology is used where their corresponding resolution limit is pushed. Transmission Electron Microscope tomography, TEMt [3] (0.60nm X 0.60nm X 0.60nm Voxel Size) Focussed Ion Beam - Scanning Electron Microscope tomography, FIB-SEM [4] (2.5nm X 2.5nm X20 nm Voxel Size) Micro and Nano X-ray Computed Tomography, NanoCT [5] (367nm X 367nm X 367nm Voxel Size) Each technique by itself supports valuable insight to be obtained on the investigated structure at the corresponding length scale. By combining 3D imaging data at multiple scales, an unified structural characterization workflow is developed. Furthermore, an up scaling approach is developed based on TEMt, SEM and NanoCT reconstruction of catalyst layer, micro-porous layer and porous gas transport layer of a PMEFC cathode. Structural properties and effective transport properties are computed at each scale via image-based numerical simulation. Effective transport properties are up-scaled. MEA performances are predicted based on the obtained effective quantities at micro-scale.

In this paper, we present our recent applications of scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) on specific devices with sampling window as small as 100nm. The dopant related root causes were successfully identified on those devices fabricated with 90nm CMOS technology. The key step in our approach is the development of a sample preparation technique that allows us to precisely x-section through a transistor without being affected by focused ion beam (FIB) artifacts. FIB was used to mark the area of interest with high precision, but it did not expose the devices of interest. Optical microscope and atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to inspect the mechanically polished surface, thus avoiding beam effects from FIB or SEM. In the first application, a doping anomaly was identified in a PFET poly gate, in a single bit failed SRAM cell. In the second application, an asymmetry of a PWell implant profile in a window of 150nm was identified as the cause of leakage in a capacitor array. Our approach may be applied to other scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques in the same category, i.e., scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM) or scanning microwave microscopy (SMM).

Quaternary landscape evolution of patagonia at the Chilean Triple Junction: Climate and tectonic forcings

The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, shifting from traditional fossil fuel-based systems to sustainable, renewable energy sources like wind, solar, bioenergy, hydroelectric, and tidal energy. This transition signifies a significant evolution in global energy generation and consumption patterns, necessitating advanced energy storage solutions to manage the intermittent nature of renewables and ensure a stable and reliable energy supply. Advanced energy storage technologies, including batteries, supercapacitors, and other innovative systems, play a pivotal role in this transition by enabling effective load balancing, supporting the electrification of transportation through electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, managing peak demand, and facilitating the seamless integration of renewable energy into the grid. This evolution not only advances sustainability goals but also enhances energy security and independence. [1]Advanced analytical techniques are essential for developing energy storage systems, especially batteries, by providing critical insights into their complex chemical and physical processes. Battery materials' microstructure, composition, and operational dynamics can be explored using analytical techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and spectroscopy. The detailed analysis through these techniques is crucial for optimizing material properties, enhancing energy density, improving safety, and extending battery lifespan. By identifying degradation mechanisms and optimizing electrode and electrolyte materials, these techniques contribute to precise battery engineering. As demand grows for more efficient and higher-capacity batteries, these sophisticated tools are indispensable for advancing energy storage technology. [2]At Shell Technology Center Houston, we have developed air-controlled and cryogenic electron microscopy (EM) workflows for studying advanced energy storage systems in preparation for the energy transition. The air-controlled EM workflow, employing SEM, FIB, TEM, and XRD, plays a pivotal role in battery research by providing a controlled environment that prevents exposure to atmospheric elements that could alter material properties. These techniques are essential for examining the fine structural details and chemical compositions of battery components under near-native conditions. The cryo-EM workflow using SEM, FIB, and TEM is vital in battery research for studying materials and interfaces sensitive to environmental conditions or rapid degradation upon exposure. These cryogenic techniques involve rapid freezing of battery components to preserve their structure in a close-to-native state and prevent deleterious effects of air exposure such as oxidation or moisture interaction. [3]In our study, we present comprehensive results obtained using both air-controlled EM and cryogenic EM workflows to investigate advanced energy storage systems, including lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and beyond-LIBs such as multivalent rechargeable batteries. The utilization of air-controlled EM techniques such as SEM, FIB, TEM, and XRD allows us to examine battery components under controlled environmental conditions, ensuring accurate analysis of structural details and chemical compositions without the risk of atmospheric contamination. Additionally, the use of cryo-EM techniques, including cryo-SEM, cryo-FIB, and cryo-TEM, enables the study of sensitive battery materials and interfaces in a preserved, near-native state. These cryogenic methods prevent degradation effects such as oxidation and moisture interaction, providing unprecedented insights into the ultrastructural properties and operational dynamics of battery materials at atomic or molecular levels. By leveraging both air-controlled and cryogenic EM workflows, we have achieved a comprehensive understanding of battery mechanics and chemistry, paving the way for improved battery design and enhanced performance in energy storage applications.Reference[1] International Renewable Energy Agent (IRENA) 2021 https://www.irena.org/publications/2021/Aug/Renewable-energy-statistics-2021[2] Tarascon, J.-M., Armand, M., Nature 414, 359–367 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35104644[3] Cheng, D., Lu, B., Raghavendran, G., Zhang, M., and Meng, Y. S., Matter, Volume 5, Issue 1, p26-42, 2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2021.11.019

Combined Focused Ion Beam – Scanning Electron Microscope and Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence analysis of multi-solid and melt inclusions from the super-giant Grasberg Cu[sbnd]Au deposit, Indonesia

The surface properties of materials are believed to control most of the biological reactions toward implanted materials. To study the surface structure, elemental distribution, and morphology, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, thin foils of the surface (in cross-section) are needed. These have been cumbersome to produce, in particular, from the normally irregular screw-shaped metal implants. Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopy has been developed partly for TEM sample preparation, mainly within the microelectronics industry. Our study describes a method based on FIB for producing electron transparent foils/sections from a metal implant for TEM analysis. Using a screw-shaped titanium dental implant, it was demonstrated that thin foils can be prepared with submicron specificity and from almost any surface geometry. A comparison of different lift-out techniques showed that the in situ lift-out preparation technique allowed plasma cleaning and produced particularly good samples with excellent yield. The titanium oxide on the implant surface was analyzed using energy-filtered TEM (EFTEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) and the TiO(2) rutile phase being determined via the lattice parameters. This study provides the first set of data for the optimization of a new route for preparation and analysis of biomaterial surfaces and interfaces.

Seventeen vibrocores from the inner part of Joseph Bonaparte Gulf off northwestern Australia penetrate a range of marine and marginal‐marine sediments deposited in the post‐glacial transgression and highstand. Ranging from gravelly sand to fine silt, these sediments contain a diverse fossil biota dominated by molluscs and bryozoans, but also including ostracods and foraminifers. Minor components include solitary corals, echinoids, soft coral and sponge spicules, wood debris and bone fragments. The biota can be divided into five major marine or marginal‐marine environments (intertidal, lagoonal, estuarine, strandline and shelf) and one terrestrial (riverine) environment. The intertidal environment contains four sub‐assemblages (mangroves, salt marsh, mud flat and sand flat) and the shelf environment six sub‐assemblages (hard substrate inner shelf, sandy substrate inner shelf, muddy substrate inner shelf, epiphytic, inshore and oceanic). The most useful organisms for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction are bryozoans for differentiating various shallow‐marine substrates, and foraminifers and ostracods for defining water depths, euryhaline, freshwater and oceanic influences. Palynomorphs were the only microfossils capable of providing control on terrestrial environments. The scarcity of marine plankton and the dominance of terrestrial palynomorphs in these marine sediments provides a salutary warning of the dangers of relying on plant microfossils alone when no independent environmental data are available to test the interpretation. The mollusc and bryozoan biota in the inner part of Joseph Bonaparte Gulf superficially resembles the bryomol assemblage of cool‐water shelves. This biotic assemblage is the result of turbidity rather than water temperature. The turbidity suppresses the photosynthetic, zooxanthellate and hermatypic organisms allowing molluscs, bryozoans and other apparently cool‐water biotic elements to dominate.

New data on the Late Paleozoic Ice Age glaciomarine successions from Tasmania (SE Australia)

Complementary techniques for solid oxide electrolysis cell characterisation at the micro- and nano-scale

This work shows expert system of symmetrical single magnetic lens used in focused ion beam optical system. Java expert system shell(JESS) programming is proposed to build the intelligent agent MOPTIONfor getting an optimum magnetic flux density , and calculate the ion optical trajectory. The combination of such rule based engine and SIMION 8.1 has configured the reconstruction process and compiled the data retrieved by the proposed expert system agent to implement the pole-pieces reconstruction for lens design. The pole pieces reconstruction has been resulted in 3D graph , and under the infinite magnification conditions of the optical path, aberration (spherical / chromatic and total) disks diameters have been obtained and got the values (0.03,0.13 and 0.133) micron (µm) respectively.

Study of cyclic strain localization and fatigue crack initiation using FIB technique

Evaluating focused ion beam and ultramicrotome sample preparation for analytical microscopies of the cathode layer of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

The compilation of this Theme Issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society on the theme of Raman spectroscopic analysis of materials from extreme environments is timely for several reasons, perhaps the most significant of these being the realization in the last decade that this technique